Following her latest announcement to relinquish the Miss USA 2023 title, Noelia Voigt’s formal resignation letter has been made public.
In line with a letter obtained by NBC Information on Might 9, Voigt alleged that the pageant’s CEO mishandled a sexual harassment incident and promoted a poisonous work surroundings.
“There’s a poisonous work surroundings inside the Miss USA group that, at finest, is poor administration and, at worst, is bullying and harassment,” Voigt, 24, wrote within the letter. “This began quickly after profitable the title of Miss USA 2023.”
On Might 6, Voigt shared an Instagram put up revealing her determination to step down from the celebrated title, citing a have to prioritize her psychological wellbeing.
Voigt posted an in depth message on social media, adopted by a caption that learn partially, “I perceive this information could also be shocking to many. Bear in mind to at all times prioritize your bodily and psychological well being, and by no means compromise your wellbeing.”
The put up additionally learn, “In life, I strongly worth the significance of constructing selections that really feel finest for you and your psychological well being. As people, we develop by experiencing various things in life that lead us to studying extra about ourselves. My journey as Miss USA has been extremely significant, representing Utah with delight, and later the USA at Miss Universe. Sadly, I’ve made the very robust determination to resign from the title of Miss USA 2023.”
She went forward to increase her appreciation to her followers, pals, coaches, former administrators, and UmaSofia Srivastava, who would quickly discover herself strolling an identical path.
Simply two days later, on Might 8, Srivastava additionally introduced her resignation in a comparable Instagram put up, mirroring Voigt’s determination to prioritize her wellbeing.
“Lifelong friendships and connections that I had the chance to make alongside the best way whereas attending totally different occasions, and competing at state pageants, Miss USA, and Miss Universe are invaluable issues I will likely be perpetually grateful for,” Voigt continued in her put up.
Voigt mirrored on her time as Miss USA, highlighting her most rewarding expertise as working with Smile Practice and championing vital causes akin to anti-bullying initiatives, relationship violence prevention, and immigration rights advocacy. She additionally proudly famous her historic milestone as the primary Venezuelan-American girl to carry the title, acknowledging the importance of her affect and legacy.
“By no means may I’ve imagined the journey that my childhood dream would take me on,” she continued within the textual content photograph. “Fixed and constant arduous work and dedication all lead me to the place I’m in the present day, and I hope that during the last seven years of competing in pageantry and sharing my journey with you all is one thing that evokes you to by no means quit in your desires, no matter they might be.
“Everlasting gratitude fills my coronary heart once I take into consideration the platform I used to be given to make a distinction, the sensation of reaching a lifelong dream, and connecting with folks all around the world, simply as I stated I might do on the Miss USA stage,” Voigt added. “Deep down I do know that that is only the start of a brand new chapter for me, and my hope is that I proceed to encourage others to stay steadfast, prioritize your psychological well being, advocate for your self and others by utilizing your voice and by no means be afraid of what the longer term holds, even when it feels unsure.”
Within the letter, Voigt accused Laylah Rose, the CEO and President of Miss USA, of persistently failing to keep up open strains of communication, and when she did work together, her demeanor was typically ‘abrasive and unprofessionally harsh’, inflicting Voigt important misery and discomfort.
Moreover, Voigt detailed a private expertise of sexual harassment that occurred throughout a piece occasion in Florida, highlighting the shortage of help she acquired from Laylah Rose when she courageously shared her story. As an alternative of empathy and motion, Voigt was met with dismissal, compounding her misery and sense of isolation.
“We can’t forestall folks saying issues to you at public appearances, it’s, sadly, a part of the function you’re in as a public determine,” Rose allegedly advised Voigt, the letter says.
The letter additionally accuses Rose of spreading detrimental remarks about Voigt inside the group, falsely characterizing her as missing curiosity in her duties.
“I’ve heard that feedback have ranged from her describing me as troublesome to work with for numerous unfaithful causes, to weaponizing my psychological well being struggles introduced on by my expertise as Miss USA 2023, calling me ‘mentally in poor health’ in a derogatory method, to expressing that she hoped I might get hit within the face by a baseball at an occasion the place I might throw out the primary pitch at a baseball recreation,” Voigt wrote in her letter.
Though Voigt remained devoted to the Miss USA group, the poisonous surroundings took a devastating toll on her wellbeing, inflicting her psychological and bodily well being to deteriorate considerably.
“I’m now recognized with Nervousness and should take two drugs day by day to handle the signs as a consequence of persistently being on edge, worrying about what Laylah will pop up with and select to harass me about day by day,” the letter stated.”
Voigt was topped Miss USA in September 2023, making historical past as the primary Venezuelan-American girl to carry the title.
Previous to being topped Miss USA, Voigt held the title of Miss Alabama Collegiate in 2020. She then went on to attain first runner-up at Miss Alabama USA for 2 years in a row, in 2022 and 2023, demonstrating her constant excellence and paving the best way for her eventual Miss USA win.
In November 2023, she represented the US on the Miss Universe 2023 pageant in El Salvador.